Factor de crecimiento análogo a insulina-1 y cardiotrofina-1 inducido por ejercicio y su relación con hipertrofia miocárdica en maratonistas

Antecedentes: El ejercicio de alta intensidad induce hipertrofia miocárdica necesaria para adaptar al corazón a la mayor demanda de trabajo. Se desconoce si correr una maratón induce de forma aguda factores humorales asociados al desarrollo de hipertrofia miocárdica en atletas. Objetivo: Evaluar cardiotrofina-1 (CT1) y el factor de crecimiento análogo a insulina-1 (IGF-1), conocidos inductores de hipertrofia, en maratonistas previo y justo después de correr una maratón y su relación con hipertrofia cardíaca. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo ciego simple de atletas hombres que corrieron la maratón de Santiago. Se incluyó un grupo control sedentario. En todos los sujetos se realizó un ecocardiograma transtorácico estándar. Los niveles de CT1 e IGF-1 se determinaron en plasma obtenidos antes (basal) y justo después de haber terminado (antes de 15 minutos) la maratón, usando test de ELISA. Resultados: Los atletas tenían frecuencias cardíacas menores que los controles, asociado con una mayor hipertrofia miocárdica, determinado por el grosor del septo y pared posterior del corazón, y volúmenes del ventrículo y aurícula izquierda. Los niveles basales de CT1 e IGF-1 fueron similares entre atletas y controles sedentarios. El correr la maratón aumentó los niveles de estas dos hormonas en un subgrupo de atletas. Solo los atletas que incrementaron los niveles de IGF-1, pero no de CT1, tenían volúmenes de ventrículo izquierdo y derecho más grandes que los otros atletas. Conclusiones: IGF-1 que se incrementa de forma aguda por el ejercicio, pero no CT1, estaría asociado con el aumento de los volúmenes ventriculares observado en los atletas.

Background: High intensity exercise induces the development of myocardial hypertrophy necessary to adapt the heart to the increased work demand. Whether running a marathon is associated with acutely induced humoral factors responsible for the development of myocardial hypertrophy observed in athletes is not known. Objective: To evaluate the levels of cardiotrophin-1 (CT1) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), known hypertrophy inducers, in marathon runners before and just after running a marathon and their relationship with cardiac hypertrophy. Methodology: Single-blind prospective study of male athletes who ran the Santiago's marathon. A sedentary control group was included. All subjects underwent a standard transthoracic echocardiogram. CT1 and IGF-1 levels were determined in plasma obtained before (basal) and just after finishing (within 15 min) the marathon using ELISA assays. Results: Athletes had lower heart rates than controls, associated with greater myocardial hypertrophy, as determined by thickness of the heart's septum and posterior wall, and left atrial and ventricular volumes. Basal CT1 and IGF-1 levels were similar between athletes and sedentary controls. Marathon running increased the levels of these two hormones in a subgroup of athletes. Only the athletes who increased IGF-1 levels, but not CT1, had larger left and right ventricular volumes. Conclusion: IGF-1 acutely increased by exercise, but not CT1, was associated with the augmented ventricular volumes observed in athletes.

Biomarcadores de fibrosis y función ventricular derecha en maratonistas con distinto grado de entrenamiento: estudio en la maratón de Santiago / Fibrosis and right ventricular function biomarkers in marathon runners: a study at the Santiago, Chile marathon

Resumen: Introducción: Atletas altamente entrenados muestran cambios cardíacos estructurales como adaptación a la sobrecarga, producto del ejercicio repetitivo y extenuante. Se han evidenciado elevación de biomarcadores de remodelado y fibrosis miocárdica posterior al ejercicio intenso en atletas. Sin embargo, el comportamiento de estos biomarcadores según el nivel de entrenamiento previo no se ha evaluado. Objetivo: Investigar biomarcadores de fibrosis y función ventricular derecha en maratonistas con distinto nivel de entrenamiento previo. Métodos: Se incluyeron 36 maratonistas hombres, sanos, que completaron 42 km en la maratón de Santiago. Se dividieron según entrenamiento previo en dos grupos, Grupo 1 (G1): ≥100 km/semana y Grupo 2 (G2): <100 km/semana. Se realizó ecocardiografía transtorácica y se evaluaron niveles plasmáticos de galectina-3 y del propéptido amino terminal del procolágeno tipo III (PIIINP) en la semana previa a la carrera e inmediatamente posterior a ésta. Resultados: Posterior a la maratón, la función sistólica del ventrículo derecho disminuyó en el grupo G2 junto con un aumento significativo de los niveles plasmáticos de PIIIPNP (61±16 a 94±24 ng/mL, p=0,01). Estos cambios no se observaron en el grupo G1 (65 ± 11 a 90±29 ng/mL, p=0,10). Los niveles plasmáticos de galectina-3 aumentaron significativamente en ambos grupos posterior al ejercicio (6,8±2,2 a 19,7±4,9 ng/mL, p 0,012 y 6,0±1,1 a 19,4 ± 5,9 ng/mL, p 0,01) en los grupos G1 y G2, respectivamente). Conclusiones: Atletas con menor grado de entrenamiento, presentan posterior a una maratón un significativo aumento de productos de degradación del colágeno (PIIIPNP) asociado a disminución de la función del ventrículo derecho. Los niveles de galectina-3 plasmática aumentan significativamente en ambos grupos post-esfuerzo independiente del entrenamiento previo.

Abstracts: Introduction: Highly trained athletes show structural cardiac changes as adaptation to overload. Rise in remodeling biomarkers and myocardial fibrosis after intense exercise in athletes has been evidenced; however, the behavior of these biomarkers according to pre-competition training level has not been evaluated. Objective: To evaluate fibrosis biomarkers levels and right ventricle function in marathon runners according to their previous training level, in the period prior to a marathon race and immediately after it. Methods: Thirty-six healthy male marathon runners were included. Subjects were grouped according to their previous training level: Group 1 (G1): ≥100 km/week and Group 2 (G2): <100 km/week. Transthoracic echocardiography along with plasmatic levels of galectin-3 and amino terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) were measured one week previous and immediately after the marathon. Results: Post-effort right ventricle systolic function decreased in G2, together with a significant elevation of PIIIPNP (61±16 to 94±24 ng/mL, p=0.01). These changes were not observed in G1 (from 65±11 to 90±29 ng/mL, p=0.10). Plasma galectin-3 increased significantly in both groups immediately post-exercise (6.8±2.2 to 19.7±4.9 ng/mL, p=0.012, and 6.0±1.1 to 19.4±5.9 ng/mL, p=0.01, in G1 and G2. respectively). Conclusion: Less trained athletes evidenced higher post marathon levels of PIIIPNP which is associated with a decreased global right ventricle function. Plasma galectin-3 levels increased significantly after intense exertion regardless of the intensity of previous training.

Evaluación de la anticoagulación con rivaroxaban, en pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular de reciente diagnóstico / Evaluation of oral anticoagulation with rivaroxaban, in patients with new onset non valvular atrial fibrillation

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) generates a hypercoagulable state with an increased thrombin generation and raised levels of thrombin-antithrombin complexes, which results in a high risk of stroke and thromboembolism. Aim: To evaluate the anticoagulant effect of rivaroxaban by anti-Xa factor activity and its correlation with thrombin-antithrombin complexes, thrombin generation and prothrombin time in patients newly diagnosed with non-valvular AF. Patients and Methods: Prospective study in patients with indication of anticoagulation. Demographic variables, cardiovascular risk factors, CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were recorded. Blood samples were taken at baseline, at 3 and 24 hours after the administration of the drug and at 30 days. Rivaroxaban levels, anti-Xa activity, prothrombin time, thrombin generation and plasma levels of thrombin-antithrombin complexes were determined. Results: We studied 20 patients aged 76.3 ± 8.0 years (60% female) with a CHA2DS2-VASc score > 2 points. The anti-Xa factor activity correlated with rivaroxaban plasma levels at 3 hours (r = 0.61, p < 0.01), at 24 hours (r = 0.85, p < 0.01) and at 30 days (r = 0.99, p < 0.01), with prothrombin time at 3 hours (r = -0.86, p = 0.019) and at 30 days (r = -0.63, p = 0.02) and with a sustained decrease in thrombin generation at 30 days of follow-up (r = -0.74, p < 0.01). There was no correlation with thrombin-antithrombin complexes (r = -0.02, p = 0.83). Conclusions: Rivaroxaban consistently inhibited the mild pro-coagulant state found in newly diagnosed non-valvular AF patients through the first 24 hours and this effect was maintained at 30 days. Plasma levels of the drug correlated with anti-Xa factor activity, thrombin generation and prothrombin time

Remodelado auricular derecho y niveles plasmáticos de galectina-3 se relacionan con la capacidad funcional de pacientes con hipertensión arterial pulmonar / Right atrial remodeling and plasma leves of galectin-3 are related to functional capacity in patiensts with pulmonary artery hypertension

Introducción: En pacientes con hipertensión arterial pulmonar (HAP) Galectina- 3, biomarcador de fibrosis miocárdica, se ha asociado a marcadores ecocardiográficos de remodelado ventricular derecho. La relación entre Galectina- 3, remodelado auricular derecho (AD) y capacidad funcional (CF) en pacientes con HAP no ha sido explorado. El objetivo fue medir niveles de Galectina-3 y su relación con CF y remodelado AD en pacientes con HAP Metodos: Estudio prospectivo observacional en que se incluyeron 14 pacientes con HAP En todos los pacientes se midieron los niveles de Galectina-3, proBNP, se evaluó la CF mediante test de caminata 6 minutos (TC6M) y se evaluó remodelado AD. Se consideraron para el análisis dos grupos según la distancia caminada en TC6M (> 200 m vs. ≤ 200 m). Resultados: La edad promedio fue 43 ± 10 años, el 84% mujeres. Los niveles de Galectina-3 fueron 16,1 ± 7,4 ng/mL y el TC6M fue 371 ± 142 mts. Los pacientes con TC6M< 200 m presentaron mayores niveles de Galectina-3 (27,3 ± 4,6 vs 13,7 ± 3,8; p=0,006) y mayor volumen AD (151 ± 21 vs 94 ± 43; p=0,04). Además, se observó una correlación inversa entre el área AD y TC6M (-0,71; p=0,03). Conclusión: Niveles elevados de Galectina-3 y parámetros de remodelado adverso en AD se relacionan con una menor CF en pacientes con HAP. Estos hallazgos apuntan a una mejor caracterización de pacientes con HAP y eventualmente la búsqueda de nuevos objetivos terapéuticos.

Background: Galectin-3 is a biomarker of myo-cardial fibrosis and has been associated with echocar-diographic markers of right ventricular remodeling in patients with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). The association among Galectin-3 level, right atrial (RA) remodeling and functional capacity (FC) has not been explored. The objective was to measure plasma Galectin-3 concentrations and its relation with RA remodeling and FC in PAH patients. Methods: This is a prospective observational study and 14 PAH patients were included. Galectin-3 and proBNP levels were measured in all patients. FC was estimated by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and used to define 2 groups of subjects (≤200m or >200m). RA area and volume were measured by echocardiography from a 4 chamber view. Results: The average age was 43±10 years, 84% of patients were female. Galectin-3 levels were 16.1±7.4 ng / mL and 6MWT was 371±142 m. We observed an inverse correlation between RA area and 6MWT (-0.71;p=0.03). Conclusions: Higher Galectin-3 concentrations and RA adverse remodeling are related to a decreased FC in PAH patients. These findings may lead to a better characterization of PAH patients and eventually new therapeutic targets.

Metabolismo energético del corazón y sus proyecciones en el tratamiento de la insuficiencia cardíaca / Heart energy metabolism and its role in the treatment of heart failure

It is unknown why heart failure progresses even when patients are treated with the best therapy available. Evidences suggest that heart failure progression is due to loss of neurohumoral blockade in advanced stages of the disease and to alterations in myocardial metabolism induced, in part, by this neurohumoral activation. Alterations in cardiac energy metabolism, especially those related to substrate utilization and insulin resistance, reduce the efficiency of energy production, causing a heart energy reserve deficit. These events play a basic role in heart failure progression. Therefore, modulation of cardiac metabolism has arisen as a promissory therapy in the treatment of heart failure. This review describes myocardial energy metabolism, evaluates the role of impaired energy metabolism in heart failure progression and describes new therapies for heart failure involving metabolic intervention.

Polución por material particulado fino (PM 2.5) incrementa las hospitalizaciones por insuficiencia cardiaca / Small particle air pollution (PM2.5) leads to an in crease in hospitalization rate for congestive heart failure

Antecedentes: Estudios recientes han reportado una asociación entre la contaminación ambiental por material particulado (PM) y el riesgo de hospitalizaciones de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca (IC). La región metropolitana de nuestro país constituye un área geográfica en la cual la contaminación es especialmente relevante, asociándose a incrementos periódicos en la morbimortalidad por causa respiratoria. Sin embargo el efecto de la polución por PM en la morbilidad de pacientes con IC no ha sido evaluado en forma sistemática. Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre el PM fino y las hospitalizaciones por IC descompensada en hospitales pertenecientes al registro ICARO del área metropolitana. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo. Entre enero 2002 a diciembre de 2008 se recolectaron las fichas médicas de 529 pacientes residentes de Santiago hospitalizados por IC descompensada. Las variables meteorológicas y de contaminación fueron obtenidas de la red MACAM. Para estudiar la asociación entre las hospitalizaciones y los niveles de contaminación (PM10 y PM2,5), se aplicó un diseño de Casos cruzados estratificado por tiempo (Time-stratified Case-crossover), controlando por temperatura y punto de rocío. El impacto de los niveles de contaminación en el número de hospitalizaciones se evaluó asumiendo una latencia en el efecto de la polución de 0 a 10 días. Resultados: La edad media de la población en estudio fue de 73.8 años. La etiología más frecuente fue isquémica (27 por ciento) e hipertensiva (27 por ciento). Un 73.2 por ciento de los pacientes eran hipertensos y 32.6 por ciento tenían antecedentes de diabetes mellitus. Se observó un aumento en la admisión por IC descompensada en pacientes de ambos sexos, menores de 74 años, con desde un 22.7 por ciento (p=0.03) por cada incremento en 10 ug/m3 de PM2.5 calculado con media móvil, cuatro días después de la exposición hasta un 44.8 por ciento (p=0.006) a 10 días de la exposición. Los pacientes con antecedentes de ...

Background: Recent studies have reported an increase risk of hospitalization in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) in association with air pollution by small particles. The Metropolitan region in Chile is characterized by high pollution indexes which are related to increased mortality from respiratory diseases. No systematic evaluation of the effect of particle pollution upon morbidity in patients with CHF is available. Aim. To evaluate the association between fine particle pollution and hospitalization rate for decompensated CHF in hospitals participating in the ICARO registry of CHF in the Metropolitan area of Santiago. Methods. In a prospective design the clinical records of 529 patients who were hospitalized for decompensated CHF from Jan 2002 to Dec 2008 were analyzed Meteorological and pollution indexes were obtained from de MACAM monitoring network. A time stratified case cross-over design was used to study the association between hospitalization rate and pollution indexes (PM10 and PM25. Data was controlled for temperature and "punto de rocío" . A 0 to 10 day latency period was estimated to evaluate the influence of pollution on hospitalization rate. Results. The mean age of patients was 73.8 years. Etiologies for CHF included ischemic heart disease (27 percent) and hypertensive heart disease (27 percent). 73.2 percent of patients were hypertensives and 32.6 percent had evidence of DM. Hospitalization rate for CHF in men or women > 74 years of age increased from 22.7 percent 4 days after exposure to 44.8 percent 10 days after exposure (p=0.006). Diabetic patients were more susceptible to hospitalization with an 18 percent increased rate for each 10ug/m3 PM2.5 concentration at 8 days after exposure. Male and female hypertensive patients <74 years of age were also susceptible with a 28 percent (2.1 to 43/5 percent, CI) increase in hospitalization rate at 5 days after exposure. Conclusion: Patients with CHF who are diabetics or hy...

Cardiotrofina-1 circulante puede diferenciar la hipertrofia ventricular fisiológica del atleta de la hipertrofia patológica del paciente hipertenso / Corculating cardiotrophyn-1 may help differenciate left ventricular hypertrophy seen in athletes from pathologic left ventricular hypertrophy associated to hypertension

Introducción: Cardiotrofina-1 (CT-1), una citoquina perteneciente a la superfamilia de la interleukina-6, se encuentra elevada en pacientes con hipertensión arterial (HTA) e hipertrofia ventricular izquierda (HVI). Sus niveles se correlacionan con el tamaño auricular izquierdo y con las presiones de llenado del ventrículo izquierdo. Los niveles de CT-1 en atletas con HVI fisiológica no han sido investigados. Métodos: Estudio transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes con HTA esencial con y sin evidencia ecográfica de cardiopatía hipertensiva (CH)(HVI y relación E/E´>10), recientemente diagnosticada y sin tratamiento. Un grupo de atletas normotensos con diagnóstico ecográfico de HVI y un grupo control de sujetos normotensos pareados por edad y sexo. En todos los sujetos se midieron los niveles plasmáticos de CT-1 (ELISA). Se definió HVI utilizando el índice de masa ventricular izquierda con ecocardiograma usando la fórmula de Devereux (hombres ≥ 115 gramos/m2, mujer ≥ 95 gramos/m2). Las presiones de llenado del VI se estimaron con la relación E/E’ (doppler tisular en el anillo mitral medial). Resultados: Se incluyeron 10 pacientes por grupo. Los atletas con HVI presentaron una relación E/E´ < a 10, y ésta no fue distinta al grupo control y a la de los hipertensos sin HVI y fue significativamente menor respecto de los hipertensos con CH (6,5 +/- 1 versus 12,9 +/- 1,1, p < 0,01). Respecto de los niveles de CT-1 los atletas con HVI presentaban niveles menores que los pacientes hipertensos con evidencia de CH (6,6 fmol/ml +/- 0,4 versus 18,2 fmol/ml +/- 5,6, p < 0,001) y niveles similares al grupo control y de hipertensos sin evidencia de CH. Conclusión: En atletas con HVI los niveles de CT-1 son similares a los de sujetos normotensos y a los de pacientes hipertensos sin HVI, y significativamente menores respecto a los de pacientes hipertensos con niveles similares de HVI y disfunción diastólica.

Background: Cardiotrophyn-1 (CT-1), is a cytokine which is increased in patients with hypertension (HT) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). This increase occurs in proportion to left atrial size and left ventricular filling pressures. CT-I levels in athletes with LVH have not been investigated Methods:Crossectional study. We evaluated; a) hypertensive patients with LVH and E/E> 10 by echocardiography, recently diagnosed and receiving no medications; b) normotensive athletes with LVH as shown by echocardiography, and c) normotensive subjects, paired by age and sex. Plasma levels of CT-i (ELISA) were measured in all. L VH was defined as left ventricular mass index> 115 G/m2 (males) or> 95 G/m2 (females). Results: EIE’ was lower in athletes than hypertensive patients with LVH (6.5 +/- I vs 12.9 +/- II, p<0.01). EIE’ in both control subjects and patients with HTA but no LVH did not differ from EIE’ in athletes. CT-I was lower in athletes than patients with HTA and LVH (6.6 +/- 0.4 vs 18.2 +/- 5.6 fmol/ml, respectively, p<0.00l). CT-I levels in control subjects and hypertensive patients without LVH did not differ from that found in athletes. Conclusion: CT-I levels are similar in athletes compared to normal subjects and patients with HTA and no LVH. Hypertensive patients with similar grades of LVH and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction had significantly greater leves of CT-I. Thus, CT-I levels could help differentiate pathological HVI from physiologic LVH in athletes

Influencia de factores socioculturales en la evolución alejada de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca / Influence of social and cultural factors in the late course of patients with congestive heart failure

Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de los factores socioculturales (SC) en Las características del cuidado de la insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) y la evolución post alta en pacientes admitidos con diagnostico de IC descompensada a hospitales del registro ICARO en el periodo 2006-2008.Método: Registro prospectivo de 14 hospitales. Se incorporaron en forma consecutiva pacientes admitidos con el diagnostico de IC descompensada entre enero 2006 y mayo 2008. La mortalidad al fin del seguimiento se determino por la base de datos del Servicio Nacional del Registro Civil e Identificación. Se definió como terapia optima la combinación de en betabloqueador con cualquiera de los siguientes: inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina (IECA), antagonistas del receptor de angiotensina Il (ARAlI), hidralazina/isosorbide o espironolactona. Las características de los pacientes se compararon mediante t de Student o chi cuadrado según correspondía. La sobrevida se evaluó mediante Kaplan-Meier.Resultados: Los pacientes de bajo nivel SC son do mayor edad (71 +/- 11 v/s 66 +/-15 años respectivamente, p<0.01). predomina el género femenino (52.2 por ciento v/s 26.1 por ciento, p<0,01), y su previsión fue mayoritariamente FONASA (90 por ciento). La etiología isquémica fue más frecuente en el estrato SC alto (34,5 vs. 16,6 por ciento) y la hipertensiva en el nivel SC bajo (30,3 v/s 16,6 por ciento). La utilización de ARA II fue más frecuente en el nivel SC alto con una tendencia a menor utilización de IECA, el uso de betabloqueadores espironolactona hidralazina e isosorbide amiodarona y anticoagulante fue menor en el estrato SC bajo.

Aim: to evaluate de impact of social and cultural (S-C) factors in the care and course of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) enrolled in the ICARO study (national registry for patients with head failure). Methods: Patients were enrolled from 2006 through 2008. They were discharged from 14 hospitals participating in the prospectively designed ICARO study. Late mortality was obtained from the national Identification registry. Optimal medical therapy was defined as the use of a betablocker in addition to any of the following ACE inhibitors, ARA II. combination of hydralazine and nitrates, or spironolactone. Statistical analysis included Students t tesl. chi square and Kaplan Meir and Log-rank testing, as appropriate. Results: Patients with a low S-C level were older (71 +/- 11 vs 66 +/- IS years. p<0.01). more frequently females (52.2 percent vs 26.1 percent, p<0.01) and most of them belonged in the FONASA health insurance system (90 percent). Ischemic heart disease was more prevalent in the high S-C level (34.5 vs 16.6 percent) and hypertension in the low S-C level (30.3 vs 16.6 percent). ARA II rather than ACE inhibitors were more commonly used in the high S-C level: A CE inhibitors, betablockers, spironolactone, hydralazine-nitrates, amiodarone and anticoagulatioo were less frequently used in the low S-C level. After discharge a more intensive treatment of heart failure was observed; however, this was less seen in the low S-C level. Patients with decreased left ventricular ejection fraction were similarly treated in both groups. An optimal therapy for CHF was used in 43.7 percent, 43.3 percent and 51.1 percent in S-C levels low, intermediate and high, respectively (NS). Independent predictors for late mortality were age>70 years (HR 2.71 (CI 1.55-3.03), low S-C level (HR 1.57, CII. 17- 2.09), EF<50 percent (HR 1.49, CI 1.04-2.14) and absence of optimal medical therapy at discharge (HR 0.52, CI 0.41-0.66).

Predictores de síndrome coronario agudo sin supradesnivel del ST y estratificación de riesgo en la unidad de dolor torácico. Experiencia en 1.168 pacientes / Predictors of acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation and risk stratification in the chest pain unit

Background: Nearly 10 percent of patients with an actual acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are discharged with an inadequate diagnosis. Aim To select clinical and laboratory predictors to identify patients with a high likelihood of ACS in the Chest Pain Unit. Material and methods: Prospective evaluation of patients consulting in a Chest Pain Unit of a University Hospital. Initial assessment was standardized and included evaluation of pain characteristics, electrocardiogram and Troponin I. Independent predictors of ACS were identified with a multiple logistic regression. Results: In a four years period, 1,168 patients aged 62±23 years (69 percent males), were studied. After initial evaluation, 62 percent of the patients were admitted to the hospital for further testing and in 71 percent of them, a definite diagnosis of ACS was made. No events were reported by patients directly discharged from the Chest Pain Unit. Independent predictors associated with a higher likelihood of ACS were an abnormal electrocardiogram at the initial evaluation (Odds ratio (OR) 5.37, 95 percent confidence intervals (CI) 3.61-7.99), two or more cardiovascular risk factors (OR 2.16, 95 percent CI 1.21-2.84), cervical irradiation of the pain (OR 1.84, 95 percent CI 1.25-2.69), age over 65years (OR 1.73, 95 percent CI (1.32-2.27) and a Troponin I above the upper normal limit (OR: 5.68, 95 percent CI 3.72-8.29). Conclusions: Simple clinical findings allow an appropriate identification of patients with a high likelihood of ACS without specialized methods for myocardial ischemia detection.